PARADISE now has many a Knight, Many a lordkin, many lords, Glimmer of armour, dinted and bright, The young Knights have put on new swords. Some have barely the down on the lip, Smiling yet from the new-won spurs, Their wounds are rubies, glowing and deep, Their scars amethyst—glorious scars. Michael's army hath many new men, Gravest Knights that may sit in stall, Kings and Captains, a shining train, But the little young Knights are dearest of all. Paradise now is the soldiers' land, Their own country its shining sod, Comrades all in a merry band; And the young Knights' laughter pleaseth God. |